Red Bull Flugtag Returns to Tampa Bay for First Time Since 2011

Challenging Floridians to Take Flight in Human-Powered Flying Aircraft

TAMPA BAY, FL (JUNE 24, 2024) – Tampa Bay, prepare for takeoff! Red Bull is calling on daring and creative teams to build handcrafted aircraft for the city’s first Red Bull Flugtag since 2011.

On Saturday, November 9, flight crews of up to five people will launch unique airships off a 27-foot flight deck at the Tampa Convention Center in front of over 100,000 spectators. Those interested in defying gravity can sign up at RedBull.com/redbullflugtagtampa from July 8 to September 19. Teams will be announced on September 23.

The free event was announced today at a press conference at the Tampa Convention Center, featuring Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough Board Chairman Ken Hagan, Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada, and Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the Red Bull Flugtag back to Tampa, along with the 100,000 spectators it will bring,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “We can’t wait to watch these daring pilots take flight, or maybe more accurately, take a plunge, right outside the Tampa Convention Center. It’s going to be an epic day, and most importantly, an economic boost of over $3 million to our city. It’s a win-win.”

Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins added, “Our relationship with Red Bull has always been outstanding and November’s event marks our next chapter together. With today’s announcement, our community ties the record for hosting Red Bull Flugtag the most times in North America. We’re excited that our record-tying third-time hosting will showcase how much our community and Red Bull have both evolved since we last hosted in 2011. We can’t wait to welcome their great staff and passionate fans back to our hometown.”

Up to 40 teams will be judged on the design of their craft, creativity of their pre-flight skit, and the distance of their flight, competing for exclusive Red Bull experiences, meet-and-greets with Red Bull athletes, and more. The winners will be determined by a panel of judges to be announced later.

This will be the third Red Bull Flugtag held in Tampa, with past events in 2008 and 2011. Previous winners include Team Tampa Bay Watch (2008) and Willy Wonka’s Amazing Flying Flugtag Adventure (2011), featuring the same teammates.

Red Bull Flugtag has been held in over 50 countries and hosted nine million spectators worldwide. Notable winners include Greased Lightning (Portland, 2008), Flight at the Roxbury (Pittsburgh, 2017), and last year’s champions, Flite Test (Cincinnati, 2023). The world record for the longest flight is 258 feet, set by The Chicken Whisperers in Long Beach, CA, in 2013.

Competing teams and the panel of judges will be announced later this summer, along with more surprises. Follow @RedBullUSA on Instagram and TikTok and visit RedBull.com/redbullflugtagtampa to stay updated on everything Red Bull Flugtag Tampa Bay.

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